The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Bill Cork as the organization’s next President and CEO, effective November 1, 2026.

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The Texas Economic Development Council has appointed Bill Cork as the organization’s next President and CEO, effective November 1, 2026.

Cork will succeed Carlton Schwab, who will retire after serving as TEDC’s President and CEO since February 1, 1999. During Schwab’s nearly 28‑year tenure, the TEDC grew into the nation’s largest state association of economic development professionals and a recognized leader in professional development and economic development policy. The TEDC recently honored Schwab’s service and lasting contributions during its 2026 Annual Conference.

“Carlton’s leadership created an extraordinary foundation for the TEDC and for generations of economic developers across Texas,” said Adrian Cannady, immediate past board chair of the TEDC. “As we honor that legacy, the Board is also looking forward. Bill brings the experience, competitiveness, and strategic perspective to help the TEDC expand its value to members and prepare our profession for the opportunities ahead.”

Cork was selected after a national search conducted with Korn Ferry, which brought forward an exceptional group of candidates. Following thoughtful interviews, discussion, and due diligence, the Executive Board—serving as the Search Committee—voted unanimously to recommend him. The full Board of Directors later confirmed the recommendation with a unanimous vote.

Misty Mayo, Board Chair of the TEDC, noted, “Our profession is entering a period of rapid change, and the TEDC has a responsibility to prepare the next generation of leaders. Bill’s experience and vision position us to strengthen our talent pipeline, elevate our impact, and chart a bold path forward for economic development across Texas.”

Cork previously served as Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), where he led more than 170 team members and a $400 million annual budget across the state’s principal economic development, trade, tourism, business‑services, incentives, disaster‑recovery, and energy functions.

Under Bill’s leadership, the MDA’s economic development team closed more than $80 billion in capital investment and supported the development of 27,000 careers from 2020 through the second quarter of 2026.

His career also includes service as CEO of the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission; President and CEO of the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce; founder of Cork Consulting Group; and CEO of TexAmericas Center in Bowie County, Texas. Earlier, he served as a principal consultant with ICF, where he built and led a military communities practice, and as a vice president with Sempra Energy, working in national‑account energy sales and emerging deregulated markets. He also co‑founded Rock Creek Enterprises, a real‑estate consulting firm focused on land economics, due diligence, and emerging renewable‑energy projects.

Cork began his civilian career as a community planner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, providing economic analysis and policy advice concerning the redevelopment of closing military facilities, utilities privatization, and military family housing. He earned a master’s degree in city, urban, community, and regional planning and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign.

Before completing his undergraduate degree, Cork served four years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps and later four years in the Individual Ready Reserve.

Cork’s professional recognition includes being named to the Mississippi Top 50 in 2024, association with Business Facilities magazine’s 2023 recognition of MDA as a top state economic development organization, and recognition as a Top CEO in Mississippi by the Mississippi Business Journal in 2019.

“Texas has always led by thinking bigger, moving faster, and preparing for what is next,” Cork said. “I am honored to join the TEDC and to serve the professionals and communities that make this state competitive. My priority will be to listen to members, build on the organization’s strong foundation, and work with the Board and staff to deliver practical value at every stage of an economic developer’s career.”

TEDC’s programs include professional education, leadership and mentorship opportunities, conferences, member resources, and advocacy on issues affecting economic development across Texas. The leadership transition will begin November 1, with a structured onboarding period focused on continuity, member engagement, and priorities for the future.

About the TEDC:

The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) brings together more than 1,250 economic development professionals, volunteers, and elected officials from communities across Texas, united by a shared commitment to strengthening the state’s economic vitality. Through practical training, peer connection, and a strong voice on policy, the TEDC supports economic developers at every stage of their careers and helps ensure Texas remains a leader in economic opportunity. The TEDC’s programs include professional education, leadership and mentorship opportunities, conferences, member resources, and advocacy on issues affecting economic development across Texas.

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“Texas has always led by thinking bigger, moving faster, and preparing for what is next,” Cork said.